Follow these helpful tips to put yourself in the best position.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. If you do this, it will be a great help to the future contractor, who will now be able to quickly locate the problem issue.
If your HVAC system is acting up, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This information will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the coils and blades in your condenser at the beginning of summer. Turn off the power if you are going to work on your HVAC system. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Secondly, pop the grill off, take the blades off and clean them as well as the actual unit.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. Be sure to clean your fan grill frequently when trees nearby are shedding. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Clean the debris regularly. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it’s getting cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can ensure your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
In order to select an HVAC contractor that you can trust, it pays to invest some time researching a few prospective companies and checking their reputations. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the colder months.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring an inexperienced contractor can be risky.
During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running at peak performance.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. This will reduce your overall spending. Never settle for a price until you’ve called at least five contractors to gain a realistic idea of a fair price.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Look for leaks in the ducts if your system isn’t working right. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. When the leaks are repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
A well running HVAC is critical to keeping your home comfortable. If it isn’t, you will often be too hot or too cold in your living space. Never let this happen to you; keep in mind all the advice here to make sure that your HVAC system is providing you good air.
When your unit is clicking, immediately go out and look to see if anything is inside it. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the fan’s way. Get rid of this obstruction and that should take care of the problem. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a professional.
